NR Tech (Wildlife)
Working Title : Natural Resources Technician Wildlife
Job Class: Parks and Trails Natural Resources Technician Wildlife
Agency: MN Department of Natural Resources
• Job ID: 79435
• Location: New Ulm
• Telework Eligible: No
• Full/Part Time: Full-Time
• Regular/Temporary: Permanent
• Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 09/11/2024
• Closing Date: 10/01/2024
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Department of Natural Resources
• Division/Unit: Parks and Trails
• Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift
• Days of Work: Monday - Friday
• Travel Required: Yes, occasionally within the region
• Salary Range: $23.26 - $32.79 / hourly; $48,567 - $68,466 / annually
• Classified Status: Classified
• Bargaining Unit/Union: 207-AFSME
• Work Location: New Ulm Region
• FLSA Status: Non-exempt
• Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
The work you'll do is more than just a job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
This position exists to provide technical and para-professional conservation support to professional District Resource Specialists (NR Park Specialist Senior – Resource Management) and/or PAT Regional Resource Supervisor (NR Supervisor-Ecological Services) as well as unit managers and other staff. This position assists in protecting, planning, implementing, directing, and evaluating the natural habitat & cultural resource management activities carried out on lands administered by the Division of Parks and Trails in the Southern Region, District 9, with occasional assignments in District 10.
The position serves as lead worker for Conservation Corps MN crews, laborers and B&Gs in the safe operation and maintenance of equipment, vehicles, tools, supplies, buildings, shop and public land facilities. The position also assists in prescribed fire, invasive species control, and native plant community restoration.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Protect Resources: Implement projects and conduct natural/cultural resource management program activities on Parks and Trails lands to maintain and improve native plant and animal communities and address invasive species problems.
• Lead Crews: Direct the work of Conservation Corps (CCMI) crews, Sentenced to Service (STS), student workers, interns, and other staff or volunteers in a safe, efficient, and effective manner so Resource Management Program objectives are achieved.
• Planning: Assist in developing Unit Level comprehensive and project specific plans and maps (in GIS) for accomplishing division resource management objectives.
• Equipment Operation/Maintenance: To operate, maintain, clean and repair, or arrange repair of, heavy equipment, vehicles, other equipment and tools so that they function properly, provide safe use, and are functional.
• Prescribed Burning: Assist PAT staff in planning and conducting prescribed burn activities on land managed by the PAT Resource Program, determine prescribed fire needs and break locations, and maintain and prepare prescribed burning tools, equipment and supplies.
• Invasive Species Control: Invasive species control with hand pulling, mechanical (mowing, brushsawing), and chemical methods.
• Administrative: Complete logistics tasks and other duties as assigned in order that the resource team functions efficiently and effectively, crew and equipment travel between projects efficiently and safely, and tasks and projects are completed in a safe manner.
This job will require strenuous manual labor including but not limited to digging, shoveling, hauling, moving, pushing, pulling, and ascending/descending, often in adverse weather and environmental conditions. This job requires moving to a significant degree on rough terrain. It requires the ability to move 2 miles in 30 minutes while transporting a 25-pound pack (passing the Work Capacity Test, moderate level). Applicant must have ability to efficiently communicate in a loud/challenging environment (When conducting burns, using equipment, etc.).
Minimum Qualifications
• Position requires a Class A license, passing a pre-employment drug screen and participation in the DNR ongoing random screening program. Qualified applicants who do not have a valid Class A will be allowed up to 6 months to acquire one, as a condition of employment.
• Associates Degree in Wildlife, ecology, natural resource management or equivalent field with an emphasis in wildlife coursework. Examples of course work could be GIS, Ecology, Forestry, etc.
• Applicants who have a Bachelor’s degree in a Natural Resources related field with wildlife coursework emphasis (i. e. at least 3 related Wildlife courses) may also qualify.
• Knowledge and skills in basic equipment maintenance and repair for tools and equipment such as power saws, vehicles, ATV's, UTVs, sprayers, seeders, snowmobiles, tractors, boats, trailers, fire equipment, skid steers and attachments, and power and hand tools.
• Ability to safely operate, transport, and use heavy equipment, trucks, and trailers. Must be able to demonstrate ability, pass all required training, and complete all position task books for trailers, boats, snowmobile, ATV, UTV, dozer/crawlers, skid steers with attachments, chain saw, and tracked vehicle.
• Prescribed burn or wildfire suppression experience and completion of RT-130 fire refresher as a condition of employment.
• Knowledge of identification and management of common native and non-native plants.
• Ability to interpret aerial maps, understand/interpret biological data, create field maps, and maintain field notes using tablets and mobile devices.
• Ability to understand and effectively use computer hardware and software for digital data management, Geographic Information System (GIS) applications (e.g., ArcPro, EDDMapS), and programs for word processing and spreadsheets.
• Ability to work and communicate accurately, honestly, and respectfully with diverse communities.
• Ability to obtain Category A & J MN Non-Commercial Pesticide applicators license within 6 months of hire.
Preferred Qualifications
• Current Class A license.
• A Bachelor’s Degree or four years of related experience. Degrees should be in Natural Resource Management, Ecology, Forestry, Wildlife or a related field.
• Three or more years of prescribed fire experience, ideally in a variety of fuel types.
• Successful completion of prescribed burn training to the firing boss (MRXI2, and courses/open task book supporting MRXB2) or higher qualifications. (NWCG or MN track standards accepted.)
• Experience implementing native plant community restoration efforts, such as managing terrestrial invasive plant species, site preparation and planting.
• Currently holds a MN Pesticide Applicator license.
• Experience and training in the safe and efficient operation of power saws (DNR Basic Power Saw training, also S-212 or equivalent).
• Experience directing the work of others and leading field crews.
• Communication skills sufficient to communicate with a wide variety of natural resource professionals, the public, and volunteers in both office and field settings.
Additional Requirements
• This position requires current possession of a valid Class A license or the ability to obtain one in the first 6 months of employment. The selected applicant will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen and will be included in the ongoing DNR random drug and alcohol test program.
• Applicants must have the ability to meet the physical requirements and work in the environmental conditions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
• It is policy of the Department of Natural Resources that all candidates submit to a background check prior to employment. The background check may consist of the following components:
• Employment Reference Check
• SEMA4 Records Check
• Criminal History Check
• Conflict of Interest Review
• Education/license verification
How To Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Molly Tranel Nelson at molly.tranel@state.mn.us or 507-233-1226.
If you are an individual with a disability and need reasonable accommodation to assist with the application process, please contact the ADA Coordinator at ADA.DNR@state.mn.us. To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID#, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Becky Hotop at becky.hotop@state.mn.us.
Working together to improve the state we love.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
• A sense of purpose in their work
• Connection with their coworkers and communities
• Opportunities for personal and professional growth
Benefits
As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
Your benefits may include:
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays each year
• Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
• Fertility care, including IVF
• Diabetes care
• Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
• 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
• Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
• Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
• Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
• Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
Support to help you reach your career goals:
• Training, classes, and professional development
• Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:
• A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
• Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
• Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
Applicants With Disabilities
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the job information line at 651-259-3637 or email careers@state.mn.us and let us know the support you need.
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